as in annoying
causing annoyance
these daily traffic jams are frustrating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in baffling
to prevent from achieving a goal
a multitude of conflicting opinions frustrated me in my attempt to find a computer that best suits my needs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discouraging
to lessen the courage or confidence of
challenge the math student, but don't frustrate him or her with overly difficult problems
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of frustrating
Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Winn’s occasional-but-irregular effectiveness has been frustrating, then.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Mack and the Chargers’ defense pressured quarterbacks Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, frustrating them and keeping them out of their comfort zones.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frustrating
Adjective
After six years as a stay-at-home mother, Cynthia Webster, 50, planned last year to reenter the workforce, bracing for a potentially frustrating job search.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Winn’s occasional-but-irregular effectiveness has been frustrating, then.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Verb
The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Mack and the Chargers’ defense pressured quarterbacks Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, frustrating them and keeping them out of their comfort zones.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frustrating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustrating
Adjective
-
That particularly could be annoying to Uruguay supporters, given Messi’s stature in the sport overall and in particular with defending champion Argentina, La Celeste’s biggest rival.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
It’s widely considered rude and annoying when people cluster by the train doors if there are more people on the platform attempting to get on.—
Claudia Fisher,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
Verb
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For more than four minutes Darnold drove downfield, connecting on three of four passes, baffling the pass rushers, bleeding the clock, and by the time the Seahawks finally gave the ball back, the Rams had only 25 seconds to live.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Though some of the recent playoff defeats have been baffling and call for self-evaluation within the organization, the culture has been a huge net positive overall.—
Jay King,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Similarly, pro-Iran militias in Iran could continue attacks on Gulf nations, including oil ports, possibly discouraging some shipowners from sending tankers into the area, especially the northern Gulf.—
Michael Lynch,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
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Many Christians seek to keep a hostile world at bay by discouraging inquiry and critical thinking, by empowering theological enforcers, and by drawing narrow doctrinal boundaries.—
Peter Wehner,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
The post carried neither hereditary title nor extraordinary fortune, and yet it was regarded with a degree of respect that many noble families found faintly irritating.—
Adam Kirsch,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
-
And compared with stronger anti-aging ingredients like retinoids or chemical exfoliants, copper peptides are generally considered less irritating and are often well-tolerated by sensitive skin.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Winds of up to 50 mph stoked the flames and severely limited the fire response by hampering boat and aircraft access to the remote island.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
The systematic dismantling of USAID has led to catastrophic humanitarian situations in Africa, including hampering the global response to the current Ebola outbreak.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
There’s another, more disturbing chapter in the book about Jack Webb, the star of Dragnet.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2026
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Chestnut said the most disturbing part is that scammers were trying to take advantage of families in a vulnerable moment.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Scenes at the coveted Edwards Ranch — the property Rip and Beth took over, thwarting Beulah Jackson's (Annette Bening) plans to expand her land — were filmed at the real-life Saunders Ranch in Weatherford, Texas.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
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Brendan Fraser is on hand as well, playing a jerky LAPD detective who keeps stepping on Diamond’s toes, thwarting the private eye’s shrewd attempts to crack the case.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frustrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustrating. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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